Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Jihye Kang, "Lady Brown," an art toy maker assisting in the concept and costume making of Coolrain's figures. I customize toys and create artwork with leftover fabric to express myself as well.

Q. How did you start making art toys?

I've collected figures and wanted to create them myself, so I'm learning that while working with Coolrain. I used to think of art toys simply as toys to look at, but now I take 'art' from the 'art toy' as a way to express myself. So my definition of 'Art Toy = Figure' turned into 'Art'(self-expression) and 'Toy'(works).

Q. You use stitching as a main technique - is there a particular reason?

Some may think it's weird, but cutting fabric soothes my mind. It's a natural play for me to sew and create something with leftover cotton pieces.

Q. Is there any piece that you adore the most or have special memories of?

When I was financially struggling to buy needed materials to make an art toy, I made dolls with the material I was used to the most - fabric. It cut down costs and allowed me to quickly form the shape I imagined. Among the dolls I made then, I remember 'Strawberry Heart' in particular. It portrayed how vulnerable the mind can be at the time, easily crushed like strawberries. It was an important piece that made me think of various ways to make art toys, changing my mind from 'Art Toy = Figure.'

Q. How was the collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER? Could you please describe your work 'Wandering Walking Home' in detail?

SEVEN EIGHT UNDER Sneakers are shoes but also like toys, making me wonder, 'Where are all those legs heading? 'When I thought about the brand name, I took the 'Seven' and Eight' with meanings like accidental luck or rest. Luck and rest don't come easy. They are part of the continuous journey of encountering different worlds. That is why I stitched over and over and drew houses on the sneakers. So it is, to me, 'Wandering Walking Home.'

Q. How was the collaboration with SEVEN EIGHT UNDER? Could you please describe your work 'Wandering Walking Home' in detail?

SEVEN EIGHT UNDER Sneakers are shoes but also like toys, making me wonder, 'Where are all those legs heading? 'When I thought about the brand name, I took the 'Seven' and Eight' with meanings like accidental luck or rest. Luck and rest don't come easy. They are part of the continuous journey of encountering different worlds. That is why I stitched over and over and drew houses on the sneakers. So it is, to me, 'Wandering Walking Home.'

Q. You often portray a house and village in your work. Do they mean special to you?

I draw a place and town with my sewing, but they don't limit their meanings figuratively. Instead, they symbolize the longing memories for home and the village in my heart.

Q. What is the most important aspect when selecting a material?

I draw a place and town with my sewing, but they don't limit their meanings figuratively. Instead, they symbolize the longing memories for home and the village in my heart.

Q. Cottons and stitches seem to be your platform with potential to take memories and remnants to something else. Are there any other artworks you considered in making with other materials?

I think expressions vary by the kind of the artworks. Thank you for reading my recent personal work as memories and remnants. I did not consider this work as a potential platform, but it certainly can be since many daily interactions can hold their places there. Anything can be an artwork with something that can be cut or sewed.

Q. Is there any distinctive difference between making petite figure clothing and regular clothing?

Since figures cannot style themselves, the makers should approach their styling like sculptures. Figure costume sizes are in 1/6 scale, but it's essential to cater it to the characteristics of the figure. It is about more than just reducing the size.

Q. Where do you usually get inspired?

Sceneries I see on the walk, clouds, stones, flowers, and leaves... any rectangular objects I see from the morning to evening, and I like small talks with friends. I also like watching a movie or reading a book repeatedly to truly understand it more than the feeling I got the first time. So in some cases, it takes a very long time to understand something fully. Music I listen to when I wake up is sometimes visualized or opens doors for imagination.

Q. What are your future plans?

I want to create more works about remembering tirival things I often overlook since I am so used to them. I also want to keep collaborating with platforms like SEVEN EIGHT UNDER and other artists who are interested.

Q. Finally, where would you like to go in SEVEN EIGHT UNDER sneakers?

I want to go to a world I do not know, cannot travel to, or cannot even meet.